Men’s Dress Shoes
There are 12 types of men’s shoes?!” then you’re exactly where you need to be. The reality is that there are even more than that, but we’ve gone ahead and simplified things by showcasing the 12 most versatile footwear options that belong in every man’s closet.
Even if you don’t dress up very often, you’re apt to need at least a pair or two of snappy dress shoes for weddings, cocktail parties and other special events. Plus, many formal types of men’s shoes can quickly elevate a semiformal or casual outfit, making them a good choice for date nights or family gatherings. We recommend keeping at least two of the following types of men’s dress shoes at the ready.
Oxfords
Men’s dress shoes typically fall under two umbrellas: oxford or derby. Ultimately, the difference between these two styles boils down to the lacing system; the former has a closed-lacing system—meaning the lacing is hidden underneath—while the latter has an open-lacing system with the shoelace eyelets on top. Men’s oxfords are considered more formal than derby shoes. They’re a classic silhouette that’ll never go out of style.
Derbies
While still considered a dressy footwear option perfect for nice events and professional settings, the open-lacing system on men’s derby shoes makes this style slightly less formal than an oxford. Some argue that the flexible, open lacing also makes for a more comfortable and less constrictive shoe, so it’s a great go-to if you have wider feet or find an oxford uncomfortable.
Brogues
Originating in Ireland and Scotland and remaining popular today, brogueing simply refers to a series of decorative perforations around the exterior of a shoe. Both oxfords and derbies can feature brogue details, and the general rule of thumb is that the more detailed the brogueing, the less formal the shoe. Note: some people are confused by the difference between oxfords and brogues. These aren’t two separate shoe categories; rather, the former refers to a closed-lacing system, and brogue refers to decorative punctures.
Ghillie Brogues
A ghillie brogue dress shoe is traditional Scottish footwear that’s often paired with a kilt. But you don’t need to wear the skirt to introduce this handsome men’s dress shoe into your wardrobe. Formal with a dose of flair, the ghillie brogue is a tongueless design that features beautiful brogue detailing.
Monk Straps
While all the types of men’s shoes we’ve discussed so far have laces, the monk strap is a slip-on dress shoe style. In lieu of a lacing system, it features a strap and buckle (or sometimes two, referred to as a “double monk”) that wrap over the top of the foot. It’s considered moderately formal.
Loafers
For another variation on a slip-on men’s dress shoe, add a pair of men’s loafers to your footwear rotation. This lace-free design is inspired by moccasins and can have an open-tongue design or no tongue at all. A handful of loafer styles exist, including penny loafers, bit loafers and tasseled loafers. A leather loafer is considered more formal, though there are less formal options for everyday wear.
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